| For Immediate Release: September 22, 2018 Contact: [email protected] |
After reports today that Dr. Christine Blasey Ford will testify in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, NARAL Pro-Choice America President Ilyse Hogue issued the following statement:
“Dr. Blasey Ford has bravely come forward with her story of sexual assault at the hands of Brett Kavanaugh, despite knowing this will come at great cost to her life and her family. Her willingness to testify without a thorough investigation and in the face of bullying by the GOP is yet another symbol of her courage and her willingness to speak her truth. Her testimony should not be necessary, given that Brett Kavanaugh has shown a willingness to lie and evade questions under oath already in this process. Dr. Blasey Ford has a right to determine the terms of her testimony. She is not a suspect.”
“Let’s be clear: Brett Kavanaugh is not a credible nominee for a lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court. His views are extreme and his character is lacking. He should withdraw immediately. Should the GOP choose to move forward with this charade, they will send a clear message to all American women that we do not matter to them. Brett Kavanaugh has hostility towards women, would be the fifth vote on the Court to end Roe v. Wade and criminalize abortion and would ascend over the pain of Dr. Blasey Ford and millions of women who share similar stories. They should proceed with caution because women will fight with everything we have for our right to live our own lives, free of fear, and without men exerting power over our bodies throughout our lives.”
On Monday, September 24, NARAL Pro-Choice America along with survivors, allies, and partner organizations will participate in a nationwide Walk Out in solidarity with Dr. Blasey Ford and all survivors.
NARAL Pro-Choice America and its network of state affiliates are dedicated to protecting and expanding reproductive freedom for all Americans. NARAL works to guarantee that every woman has the right to make personal decisions regarding the full range of reproductive choices, including preventing unintended pregnancy, bearing healthy children, and choosing legal abortion. In recognition of its work defending our constitutional right to choose, Fortune Magazine described NARAL as “one of the top 10 advocacy groups in America.”